The question of what role physics plays in the garbage business invites the casual answer: “Not much.” But that would be wrong, and not from any trivial viewpoint, such as the mechanics of garbage grinders. Admittedly, physics does not play the key role, and certainly what is known colloquially as “high physics” may be quite unresponsive to the problem. Nevertheless, the ethos of physics and recognizable physical principles have become peculiarly useful as part of the intellectual armamentarium of waste management. Surely we are biased—two of us are former physicists and one is a former physical metallurgist. We will try to convince you that we are serious and have a valid point of view.
Topics
Physicists
REFERENCES
1.
T. A. Carlson, PHYSICS TODAY, January 1972, page 30.
2.
F. W. Clarke, Washington, H. S., “The Composition of the Earth's Crust,” US Geological Survey, paper No. 127 (1924).
3.
4.
J. C. Bravard, C. Portal, “Energy Expenditures Associated With the Production and Recycle of Metals” (revised by P. H. Wadia), ORNL unpublished report.
5.
W. C. Gough, B. J. Eastlund, Scientific American, February 1971, page 50.
6.
7.
P. M. Sullivan, M. H. Stanczick, “Economics of Recycling Metals and Minerals from Urban Refuse,” US Bureau of Mines Technical Progress Report TPR TPR 33 (April 1971).
8.
“The Environment and Technology Assessment Progress Report, June–December 1970,” ORNL Report ORNL NSF‐EP‐3, page 138 (February 1971).
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© 1972 American Institute of Physics.
1972
American Institute of Physics
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